Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The best of America

"… What is this thing, this sense of duty? What tugs at a person until he or she says 'Send me'? Why, in an age when so many have acted only in pursuit of the narrowest self-interest, have the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines of this generation volunteered all that they have on behalf of others? Why have they been willing to bear the heaviest burden?

"Whatever it is, they felt some tug; they answered a call; they said 'I’ll go.' That is why they are the best of America, and that is what separates them from those of us who have not served in uniform — their extraordinary willingness to risk their lives for people they never met. …."

This was part of President Obama's speech last year at the Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Does he truly "get" what he said? Does he truly understand what Memorial Day really means? Men and women have sacrificed literally everything in order for OUR freedom. To quote him, "That is why they are the best of America..."

This year, however, he is "[acting] only in pursuit of the narrowest self-interest" (quoting him once again) and chosen not to go to the wreath laying ceremony. He has decided instead to go "home" to Chicago for the holiday. His priority as Commander-in-Chief is not to those whom he so honored last year. This year, I guess their sacrifice is somehow not as bad since going home to a backyard Bar-B-Q with some old friends is more important.

Now, I know what you're thinking. I'm a hypocrite. I too am not going to that ceremony, or any ceremony for that matter. You're right... I should pay my respects just like every other red-blooded American out there should. However, I'm also not the President of the United States. I do not have to set the example for millions of people around not only this country, but the world. He signed up for that when excepting the job and he should live up to it.

But, have no fear! Our selfless leader will be back in time to honor Paul McCartney on June 2nd at the White House. He'll be rubbing elbows with the "best of America" (by that, I mean celebrities). I can truly see where his priorities are.

I want to throw in this video because it does honor the best of America. Please take a few minutes to watch. And to all those soldiers out there, past and present... YOU ARE THE BEST OF AMERICA! You deserve the respect of every American. THANK YOU for all that you do and all that you sacrifice so that I might enjoy my life, liberty and pursuit of happiness!

Afterthought:I wrote this yesterday and after some deliberation, I thought I should add the following info in here as well. I want to show that I don't think it's wrong just because Obama is doing it. Every president should show his appreciation for our fallen soldiers.

Reagan missed one year because he was at an economic summit. GW Bush missed it to also go on vacation... (I think I heard twice somewhere?) I really don't get why Sr. didn't do it. He missed all four, but as a WWII vet, I can see if he has some residual issues there...?? I DON'T agree with ANY OF IT... There is NO excuse for that kind of disrespect from the Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful military in the world. The president, no matter who it is, should have priorities for those who sacrificed literally everything for this great country instead of putting the country and its people down all the time. To the rest of the world and to even us Americans, it looks like he doesn't care (the other presidents as well). I just thought it was ironic that Obama had no time for the ceremony, but had to hurry back for a big celebrity hub-bub! He has shown time and time again that being on Jay Leno or American Idol, traveling the world and rubbing elbows with the "elite" are all much more important to him.